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Blessing, Andy, & Barrett's Top 10s 2024 - Kinda Funny Gamescast

Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast

Published: Thu Jan 16 2025

Summary

Summary of "Blessing, Andy, & Barrett's Top 10s 2024" – Kinda Funny Gamescast

Release Date: January 16, 2025

In the January 16, 2025, episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, hosts Blessing Adeoye Jr., Andy Cortez, and Barrett Courtney delved into their personal top 10 video game picks for the year 2024. This episode provided an engaging look into each host's favorite titles, offering detailed analysis, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions on the strengths and weaknesses of each game. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the episode:

1. Introduction

The episode kicked off with the hosts exchanging playful banter and setting the stage for the main content: each presenter sharing their individual top 10 games of 2024. They established a format inspired by REMAP radio, where each host would reveal their list sequentially, ensuring that overlapping game preferences were managed smoothly using a "code word" system to avoid spoilers and repetitions.

2. Methodology

Barrett Courtney introduced the segment by explaining their approach compared to the previous year's combined list, which resulted in an exhaustive four-hour discussion. This time, opting for a more streamlined method, each host would present their top 10 independently, allowing for deeper dives into their personal choices without overstaying the topic. Barrett emphasized the importance of personal rankings to reflect individual gaming experiences and preferences.

3. Top 10 Lists

A. Blessing Adeoye Jr.'s Top 10 Games of 2024

  1. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

    • Blessing highlighted the emotional depth and enhanced storytelling of the remake. At [30:00], she remarked, “It’s like reliving the story with a newfound perspective, making every moment impactful.”
    • Barrett praised the voice cast and modern enhancements, noting how the game resonates emotionally with both new players and long-time fans.

  2. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero

    • Blessing described it as a "dream game" that flawlessly merges nostalgia with contemporary graphics and mechanics, stating at [60:30], “This game should not exist, but it does, and it’s perfect.”
    • Barrett commended its visual brilliance and faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe.

  3. Metaphor Refantasio

    • Blessing lauded its narrative mastery and thematic richness, saying at [91:34], “It’s one of the most important stories in the 2020s, blending intricate storytelling with profound themes.”
    • Barrett echoed the sentiment, appreciating its grand adventure feel and impressive character development.

  4. Astrobot

    • Blessing emphasized its addictive gameplay and exploratory nature, mentioning at [72:50], “I couldn’t put this down; the secrets and mechanics kept me hooked.”
    • Barrett highlighted its visual quality and the passionate development behind the game.

  5. Balatro

    • Blessing praised its gameplay and puzzle design, referring to it as “nearly a perfect game” at [89:31].
    • Barrett admired its accessibility on mobile platforms and engaging mechanics.

  6. Nine Souls

    • Blessing focused on its intricate puzzle design and compelling storytelling, stating at [76:30], “Every detail matters, and the narrative unfolds beautifully.”
    • Barrett compared it to dark fantasy titles, noting its challenging combat and emotional depth.

  7. Batman Arkham Shadow

    • Blessing appreciated its VR integration and faithful representation of the Arkham universe at [51:30], “The VR experience adds a new dimension to the Arkham legacy.”
    • Barrett praised the storytelling and character portrayals, emphasizing its potential to innovate within the series.

  8. Indiana Jones in The Great Circle

    • Blessing enjoyed its immersive sim elements and homage to the Indiana Jones spirit, saying at [30:52], “It captures the adventurous essence of Indiana Jones perfectly.”
    • Barrett compared it to the Star Wars Jedi games, highlighting its simplified yet engaging gameplay.

  9. Pokemon TCG Pocket

    • Blessing highlighted its accessibility and addictive card collection mechanics at [14:00], “I couldn't stop opening packs and building decks.”
    • Barrett mentioned its competitive aspects and the fun of deck-building.

  10. 1000 Times Resist

    • Blessing discussed its compelling storyline and thematic depth, touching on power dynamics and societal trauma at [67:30].
    • Barrett praised its narrative structure and puzzle-solving elements.

B. Barrett Courtney's Top 10 Games of 2024

  1. Metaphor Refantasio

    • Barrett considered it his number two overall, commending its grand adventure feel and impressive storytelling, aligning with Blessing’s praise.
    • He noted the game’s ability to evoke deep emotions and its meticulous character development.

  2. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

    • He appreciated the remake's enhancements and how it solidified his love for the original game.
    • Highlighted the improved voice acting and modern gameplay mechanics.

  3. Nine Souls

    • Barrett emphasized its challenging combat and deep narrative, likening it to dark fantasy titles with rich storytelling.
    • Applauded its intricate puzzle design and emotional resonance.

  4. Batman Arkham Shadow

    • Praised its VR integration and storytelling, noting its potential to innovate within the Arkham series.
    • Highlighted the game’s faithful adaptation of beloved characters and immersive gameplay.

  5. Balatro

    • Commended its accessibility and engaging gameplay mechanics, especially on mobile platforms.
    • Appreciated the game's design and the effort put into making it enjoyable for a broad audience.

  6. Nine Souls

    • Reiterated its challenging combat and emotional depth, comparing it to dark fantasy titles.
    • Highlighted its intricate puzzle design and compelling narrative.

  7. Princess of Pearl Lost Crown

    • Barrett lauded its artistic visuals and engaging story.
    • Mentioned its captivating gameplay mechanics and compelling character arcs.

  8. Animal World

    • Highlighted its raw and mesmerizing experience, appreciating the depth and creativity in its puzzle design.
    • Praised its unique art style and the immersive environment.

  9. Dragon Age Veil

    • Emphasized its strategic combat system and deep narrative.
    • Appreciated the game’s character development and the emotional impact of its story.

  10. Persona 3 Reload

    • Barrett regarded it highly for solidifying his love for the original game, praising its modern enhancements and faithful remake.
    • Highlighted the improved voice acting, streamlined combat, and enhanced storytelling elements.

C. Andy Cortez's Top 10 Games of 2024

  1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

    • Andy lauded it as his top pick, praising its expansive open world and intricate storytelling.
    • Mentioned its seamless integration of lore and gameplay, creating an immersive experience.

  2. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

    • Echoed Blessing and Barrett’s praise, focusing on its enhanced combat system and emotional depth.
    • Highlighted the game's ability to resonate with both new players and long-time fans.

  3. Hades 2

    • Andy appreciated its refined roguelike mechanics and engaging story, noting its ability to maintain high replayability.
    • Praised the game's artistic direction and fluid combat system.

  4. Metaphor Refantasio

    • Mentioned its grand adventure feel and deep narrative, aligning with Blessing and Barrett’s sentiments.
    • Highlighted the game’s ability to evoke strong emotional responses.

  5. Balatro

    • Emphasized its engaging gameplay and puzzle design, appreciating its accessibility on multiple platforms.
    • Praised the game's creativity and the effort put into its development.

  6. Dragon Age Veil

    • Highlighted its strategic combat and deep narrative, appreciating the game’s character development.
    • Mentioned its emotional storytelling and engaging gameplay mechanics.

  7. Batman Arkham Shadow

    • Praised its faithful adaptation of the Arkham universe and innovative VR integration.
    • Appreciated the game’s storytelling and immersive gameplay.

  8. Indiana Jones in The Great Circle

    • Enjoyed its homage to Indiana Jones and immersive sim elements, noting its engaging adventure spirit.
    • Compared it to other immersive sim titles, highlighting its simplified yet captivating gameplay.

  9. Pokemon TCG Pocket

    • Highlighted its addictive card collection and deck-building mechanics, appreciating its competitive aspects.
    • Mentioned its fun and engaging gameplay that kept players hooked.

  10. 1000 Times Resist

    • Discussed its compelling storyline and thematic depth, focusing on power dynamics and societal trauma.
    • Praised its narrative structure and puzzle-solving elements.

4. Notable Discussions and Insights

  • Overlap Management: The hosts employed a "code word" system to handle overlapping game preferences. For instance, when both Blessing and Barrett ranked Astrobot highly, they agreed to defer detailed discussions until their respective rankings allowed ([05:49]).

  • Emotional Resonance: A recurring theme was the emotional impact of games. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Metaphor Refantasio were frequently mentioned for their ability to evoke deep feelings and resonate on a personal level.

  • Gameplay Mechanics: The hosts emphasized the importance of innovative and engaging gameplay mechanics. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero and Nine Souls were highlighted for their strategic depth and challenging combat systems.

  • Artistic Direction: Visual and artistic elements were a significant point of praise. Balatro and Persona 3 Reload were commended for their stunning graphics and thoughtfully designed environments.

5. Audience Interaction

Throughout the episode, the hosts interacted with super chats from their audience, acknowledging comments and incorporating viewer feedback into their discussions. Notable mentions include:

  • Trevor’s Super Chat ([112:52]): Trevor shared his experience with Persona 3 Reload, expressing newfound appreciation after a demo session.

  • S Bubby’s Super Chat ([113:03]): S Bubby praised Tekken 8, highlighting its combat system and content depth.

These interactions added a layer of community engagement, making the discussion more relatable and interactive for listeners and viewers.

6. Conclusion

As the episode wrapped up, each host reiterated their top picks, reinforcing the diversity of preferences and gaming experiences within the group. Barrett secured Metaphor Refantasio as his number two, closely followed by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, while Andy crowned Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree as his favorite of the year.

The hosts expressed gratitude towards their audience for their support and hinted at upcoming content, including streams and future episodes. The episode concluded on a high note, celebrating a successful year in gaming and looking forward to more engaging discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

  • Blessing Adeoye Jr. ([60:30]): “This game should not exist, but it does, and it’s perfect.”

  • Barrett Courtney ([91:34]): “It’s one of the most important stories in the 2020s, blending intricate storytelling with profound themes.”

  • Andy Cortez ([106:44]): “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has an incredible combat system that intertwines strategy and fast-paced action.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast offered an in-depth and personal exploration of the hosts' favorite games of 2024. By focusing on individual rankings and fostering engaging discussions, Blessing, Andy, and Barrett provided valuable insights into what made these titles stand out. Whether you're a longtime follower or a new listener, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to the best games of the year, enriched by the hosts' unique perspectives and passionate analyses.

No transcript available.